UKIP West Midlands MEP James Carver is joining forces with local councillors Paul Bradley and Paul Brothwood to campaign for greater free parking to be provided in Stourbridge.

Mr Carver, has this week said he will work with Amblecote councillor Paul Bradley and Wordsley councillor Paul Brothwood to lead calls, on behalf of small businesses, for additional free parking to be provided to help boost trade.

Both Mr Carver and Cllr Brothwood want to remove trade barriers from our district centres and in turn revitalise local shopping areas.

Mr Carver said: “We need to see a return to the days of a diverse market town not one dominated by charity shops and fast food takeaways.

“These of course have their place on our high streets but we need to enhance Stourbridge through a greater range of businesses to attract people from outside the area

“I will work with Councillor Brothwood and Councillor Bradley to listen to and engage with local businesses to find the right solution.”

Cllr Bradley said: “At the moment everyone parks at the Tesco store because of the free parking.

“It’s common sense really - the introduction of free parking in other areas would centralise things.”

Cllr Brothwood added: “As a local business owner I understand the frustrations of small businesses and look forward to working with James Carver MEP on relieving the pressures on these firms.

“Providing greater free parking provision would fuel additional footfall and trade in Stourbridge. We look forward to taking our campaign to the streets.”